A research group led by Professor Shin KANEKO at the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, have developed a universal iPS cell in which multiple genes were modified by genome editing, e. g., by knocking out the PVR gene related to the regulation of NK cells, so that it can be transplanted to a wide range of recipients regardless of the genotype of the donor’s human leukocyte antigen (HLA). Next, the research team induced differentiation of this cell type into T cells. A CAR gene targeting CD20 was introduced with a viral vector, and CAR-T therapy was evaluated in a mouse model.

Nikkei Biotech news release, May 18, 2021